Once again I am way late on updating this blog for you guys and I am so sorry. I am going to try to make a point to update it once a week even if it is to post minimal info.
Last Saturday we took dad out to eat!!!! He taught himself how to get in and out of the car with his slide board and was craving a hamburger and onion rings from chili's. We were going to bring it to him but he was determined to get out for a little bit if his nurse would let him. We were able to take him out and it was awesome! His sister was in town also from San Antonio so that made it extra special. Needless to say he was exhausted from the little outing and pretty much slept the next day and a half. Oh, another great accomplishment that happened when we were out.... (again trying to figure out exactly how to word this) dad could tell that he needed to have a bowel movement as we were leaving Chili's. He was able to control his internal body enough that he held it in until he was able to get back to his room and to his bathroom (about 10-12 minutes). This is HUGE!!!!! He is on no official bowel program, this is God's program.
Dad is also back to cathing himself and doing this daily with success. He also told me a couple of days ago that with his bowel movements he is able to successfully make it to the bathroom and is only having an accident in his diaper once every few days.
Things are going good in physical therapy. I walked in there yesterday at the very end of it and I really liked that the therapist was sitting with dad doing the arm strengthening exercises with him. I know when I was a basketball coach I would always run with my girls, do plays with them, etc...and it makes a difference. I felt the same with dad and seeing his therapist....it makes a difference.
Please continue to keep mom in your prayers. She continues to have a lot on her plate and things are not looking good for her mom, MeeMaw. I went Wednesday with mom to visit MeeMaw and she looked horrible. Last week MeeMaw got lost after lunch trying to walk back to her room, and she has a bump on the back of her head but doesn't remember how she got it. We talked with her about moving to a nursing home but she doesn't think she could survive the move. MeeMaw has been in the assisted living home for a year now and has a few workers that really look out for her. They make sure if she doesn't come down at meal time that she gets her food in her room and she even has one that prayers with her every night before MeeMaw goes to bed. MeeMaw continues to be in alot of pain with her back and her body all over feels horrible. Mom is in contact with her doctors to get MeeMaw on some stronger drugs to just keep her comfortable for whatever time she has left. After talking to the nurse of MeeMaw's internist...the nurse said that she is portraying herself like someone that has cancer. We do not know if MeeMaw has cancer, I don't know if something like that would show up on an MRI, but the Doctors have never mentioned anything about cancer. At 87 years old either way, our goal is to keep her as comfortable as possible. She keeps talking about wanting to go "home" and we don't think this is a house here on earth. Needless to say this is very stressful, especially for mom on top of just everything else going on. Mom is an only child and my brother and myself can only do so much as grandchildren.
Please continue to keep all of this in your prayers. Pray for all of our strength and endurance during this time....especially mom's. God Bless!!
Friday, April 10, 2009
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Updates on Dad
Well I have been trying to think of the best way to put the following news, but I don't think I can get it more polite. So here it goes: Last Friday dad had that internal feeling that he needed to have a bowel movement. He then proceeded to get himself wheeled into the bathroom, was able to undress himself and get on the toilet where he then DID have a bowel movement. This happened twice in one day. This is HUGE!!!!!! for him to be able to do this. He was told that he would never have that feeling again and that he would always be in diapers.
In addition yesterday, Monday, he was able to take about 18 steps. (When we say steps at this point we mean little shuffle steps). His therapist is teaching him how to walk without holding on to anything and how to properly catch himself. He said that he was able to take a couple of steps at a time, then catch, couple more, etc. He mentioned the other day that he is getting to wear he can go from sitting in the wheelchair to a standing position. When not in official therapy he will sit in front of a window with some sunshine and practice this.
He is (as you can imagine) so excited about all the new progress. He actually called me all excited about it. (First time he has called me and not me call him during this whole time) Praise God!!!!!
There is still much needed prayer with the continuation of his progress. He is not making it to the bathroom for every bowel movement (my understanding is not even daily, but at least we have a start), and still needing to regularly be cathed (sp?)...and of course just all the therapy. One of the greatest future obstacles to please keep in your prayers, is that mom and dad do not have a bathtub (no full bath, only half bath) downstairs in their house. The earliest dad will come home is the end of May and the dilemma is with the bedrooms and full bath being upstairs.
Thank you so much for the continued support! My goal in the next couple of weeks is to get a video of dad walking in therapy and sharing it with all of you. God's Blessings!
In addition yesterday, Monday, he was able to take about 18 steps. (When we say steps at this point we mean little shuffle steps). His therapist is teaching him how to walk without holding on to anything and how to properly catch himself. He said that he was able to take a couple of steps at a time, then catch, couple more, etc. He mentioned the other day that he is getting to wear he can go from sitting in the wheelchair to a standing position. When not in official therapy he will sit in front of a window with some sunshine and practice this.
He is (as you can imagine) so excited about all the new progress. He actually called me all excited about it. (First time he has called me and not me call him during this whole time) Praise God!!!!!
There is still much needed prayer with the continuation of his progress. He is not making it to the bathroom for every bowel movement (my understanding is not even daily, but at least we have a start), and still needing to regularly be cathed (sp?)...and of course just all the therapy. One of the greatest future obstacles to please keep in your prayers, is that mom and dad do not have a bathtub (no full bath, only half bath) downstairs in their house. The earliest dad will come home is the end of May and the dilemma is with the bedrooms and full bath being upstairs.
Thank you so much for the continued support! My goal in the next couple of weeks is to get a video of dad walking in therapy and sharing it with all of you. God's Blessings!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Help??? And...selling SUV
Dad's doing better and better each day. Working hard on Rehab. Just a long journey ahead. Keep praying that he improves where he needs to, in order to go home. This week he actually moved himself from the bed to his wheelchair without his "helper board" that he uses. Also took a shower by himself, but needs help getting in and out of the shower chair. So, things are progressing...
HELP NEEDED
Folks, as you know, Dad could (and did) fix just about anything. Well, 4-5 months of being out of the house is taking it's toll. Mom said today that her Washing machine (5-6 years old) dumped a bunch of water on the floor of the wash room. She doesn't want to have to call Sears to repair it, as they charge half of what a new machine costs usually. Therefore, if anyone who reads this knows how to fix the most common washing machine problems...Mom would appreciate any help in getting it fixed. She said the belt on the dryer is squeaking too, so it may need a new belt REAL soon as well. Unfortunately, brother M. is starting to travel more with work, and isn't available to try and fix this stuff...
SELLING DAD'S TRUCK
It's obvious Dad is not going to be driving any time soon, and we need to sell his SUV (also, need to sell it so we can qualify for Medicaid). It's a 1999 Nissan Pathfinder LE (Silver) with about 114,000 miles. Mechanically is excellent, exterior condition is Good, and has new oversized tires on it. It's a V6, so gets good gas mileage. The Kelley Blue Book value places it between $4,800-$5,900 for private sale, but we'll probably ask $4,500 to friends. The only "problem" is that it is out of Inspection (for a year) due to a check engine light associated with the O2 sensor...it needs to be fixed, but shouldn't be too difficult or expensive. Dad simply procrastinated on taking it in. Other than than, runs great. If you or anyone you know is looking for a good used vehicle, please let sister E. or brother M. know! Don't want to bother Mom with it.
God Bless!
HELP NEEDED
Folks, as you know, Dad could (and did) fix just about anything. Well, 4-5 months of being out of the house is taking it's toll. Mom said today that her Washing machine (5-6 years old) dumped a bunch of water on the floor of the wash room. She doesn't want to have to call Sears to repair it, as they charge half of what a new machine costs usually. Therefore, if anyone who reads this knows how to fix the most common washing machine problems...Mom would appreciate any help in getting it fixed. She said the belt on the dryer is squeaking too, so it may need a new belt REAL soon as well. Unfortunately, brother M. is starting to travel more with work, and isn't available to try and fix this stuff...
SELLING DAD'S TRUCK
It's obvious Dad is not going to be driving any time soon, and we need to sell his SUV (also, need to sell it so we can qualify for Medicaid). It's a 1999 Nissan Pathfinder LE (Silver) with about 114,000 miles. Mechanically is excellent, exterior condition is Good, and has new oversized tires on it. It's a V6, so gets good gas mileage. The Kelley Blue Book value places it between $4,800-$5,900 for private sale, but we'll probably ask $4,500 to friends. The only "problem" is that it is out of Inspection (for a year) due to a check engine light associated with the O2 sensor...it needs to be fixed, but shouldn't be too difficult or expensive. Dad simply procrastinated on taking it in. Other than than, runs great. If you or anyone you know is looking for a good used vehicle, please let sister E. or brother M. know! Don't want to bother Mom with it.
God Bless!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
A week late...
Dad is working hard at Rehab, and stood up out of his wheelchair 10 times on the parallel bars, on Wednesday. He dressed himself fully including his high-top "Chucks," all by himself, and plans on eating in the cafeteria now that they'll let him (instead of having the meals in his room). This means he will wheel himself half-way across of the facility every time it's meal time. Unfortunately, due to the spinal cord damage, he still does not have any bladder or bowel control...so PLEASE be praying for that, as it's needed before he goes home.
As for Mom, her Sjogren's disease has been cropping up, and she's not feeling well at all. Obviously the incredible amount of stress on her between both Dad and her mother does not help, plus she is having to do a lot on her own every day that she hasn't had to do...and travelling back and forth to the nursing facilities, etc. So please keep her in your prayers. She's staying home a few more days out of the week, which we think is good as she needs to recouperate.
Please keep all of this in your prayers, as a lot of difficult decisions are going to have to be made and implemented when it gets time for Dad to be discharged from the nursing facility. That will likely not be for some weeks, but no matter his condition, there will be lots to get done that will not be easy, pleasant, or quick. We have all been blessed by the outpouring of love, prayers, and other support everyone has given us.
As for Mom, her Sjogren's disease has been cropping up, and she's not feeling well at all. Obviously the incredible amount of stress on her between both Dad and her mother does not help, plus she is having to do a lot on her own every day that she hasn't had to do...and travelling back and forth to the nursing facilities, etc. So please keep her in your prayers. She's staying home a few more days out of the week, which we think is good as she needs to recouperate.
Please keep all of this in your prayers, as a lot of difficult decisions are going to have to be made and implemented when it gets time for Dad to be discharged from the nursing facility. That will likely not be for some weeks, but no matter his condition, there will be lots to get done that will not be easy, pleasant, or quick. We have all been blessed by the outpouring of love, prayers, and other support everyone has given us.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Short Update and More News coming soon...
I haven't updated because there hasn't been much to report. Dad seems to be finally getting back to "normal" over the last couple of days with not feeling so worn out with having the CDiff. He is continuing to try to stand and take some steps in physical therapy, although most times it is such a strain on his muscles that sometimes he has to take a pain pill just to have the ease of breathing normally.
He has finally shown a real interest in something...the guitar. A friend came and played some songs for us last Sunday and afterwards he asked if he could see it. He picked around at it some. It was exciting to see.
They were suppose to all have a meeting today at dad's place but mom woke up feeling horrible with her Sjogrens (please keep her in your prayers) so she wasn't able to make it to see dad and they had to reschedule the meeting. When this is rescheduled, I will update any new info I am given.
Thanks again for the continued prayers....we still need them everyday!
He has finally shown a real interest in something...the guitar. A friend came and played some songs for us last Sunday and afterwards he asked if he could see it. He picked around at it some. It was exciting to see.
They were suppose to all have a meeting today at dad's place but mom woke up feeling horrible with her Sjogrens (please keep her in your prayers) so she wasn't able to make it to see dad and they had to reschedule the meeting. When this is rescheduled, I will update any new info I am given.
Thanks again for the continued prayers....we still need them everyday!
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
and Jesus said, "get up and walk"
What a GREAT day yesterday was! In physical therapy dad was able to take 12 small steps!!! He doesn't have the strength to hold all his body weight so he was assisted with holding himself up with straps and a couple of people...but...the actually movement of his legs he was able to make them do HIMSELF! Mom tried to explain what he was holding onto...my understand is that is it like parallel bars but on wheels like a walker (I'll let you come up with your own visual on that one). Praise God!
When I saw him last Sunday he mentioned that his birthday plan (his birthday is his Friday) was to take his first step. Well 4 days prior he took 12!
Praise God for all he has done and is doing with dad's recovery. We are praying that this is the start to some encouraging rehab and a light of hope for dad. Please join us in those prayers along with his body getting stronger and healthier.
When I saw him last Sunday he mentioned that his birthday plan (his birthday is his Friday) was to take his first step. Well 4 days prior he took 12!
Praise God for all he has done and is doing with dad's recovery. We are praying that this is the start to some encouraging rehab and a light of hope for dad. Please join us in those prayers along with his body getting stronger and healthier.
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